President Trump delivers his State of the Union Address. Photo credit: Whitehouse.gov.

President Trump called on Congress to promote more investment in infrastructure during his State of the Union address last night, a position supported by NAHB.

While NAHB supports increased infrastructure spending, First Vice Chairman Greg Ugalde, who attended the event at the U.S. Capitol, also called on policymakers to address mounting housing affordability concerns.

Ugalde issued the following statement regarding the president’s remarks:

“NAHB commends President Trump for highlighting the need for large-scale nationwide investment in infrastructure that is vital to build strong communities and a thriving housing market. Homeownership and housing are essential to a strong and prosperous nation. Yet, new research by Freddie Mac shows that America’s home builders are constructing 370,000 fewer units annually than needed to satisfy demand.

“The biggest impediment to this shortfall is due to the growing housing affordability crisis. The administration and Congress must make this issue a top national priority. Policymakers can start by taking the following steps: Eliminate unnecessary regulations that raise housing costs; enact housing finance reform that enables creditworthy borrowers to obtain home loans; and promote job training programs in home building to help address the severe labor shortage that is putting upward pressure on home prices.”